title: The interaction between endothelin-1 and nitric oxide in the vasculature: new perspectives.
abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) are natural counterparts in vascular function, and it is becoming increasingly clear that an imbalance between these two mediators is a characteristic of endothelial dysfunction and is important in the progression of vascular disease. Here, we review classical and more recent data that suggest that ET-1 should be regarded as an essential component of NO signaling. In particular, we review evidence of the role of ET-1 in models of acute and chronic NO synthase blockade. Furthermore, we discuss the possible mechanisms by which NO modulates ET-1 activity. On the basis of these studies, we suggest that NO tonically inhibits ET-1 function, and in conditions of diminished NO bioavailability, the deleterious effects of unmitigated ET-1 actions result in vasoconstriction and eventually lead to vascular remodeling and dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Stephane L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bourque
authors.forename: Sandra T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Davidge
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D019332:Endothelin-1; D009569:Nitric Oxide